North Okanagan Cricket Club revives test cricket tradition with multi

North Okanagan Cricket Club revives test cricket tradition with multi-day match in Vernon – Castanet.net
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North Okanagan Cricket Club revives test cricket tradition with multi-day match in Vernon

Test cricket in Vernon

A longstanding cricket tradition returned to Vernon recently as the North Okanagan Cricket Club hosted a multi-day match at DND Fields.

NOCC faced off against the Shaheen Cricket Club of Calgary in a two-day competition on Oct. 3 and 4, bringing back a classic format steeped in the sport’s history.

Test cricket is the oldest and most traditional form of the game. Unlike shorter, limited-overs matches, the multi-day format emphasizes long-term strategy, patience, and endurance, with players wearing traditional white uniforms.

After two days of play, the match ended in a draw. NOCC captain Nuwan Thalgaswatte called the event a milestone for both the club and local sports fans.

“This was a proud moment for cricket in the Okanagan. The return of white-kit, multi-day cricket demonstrates how far the sport has come in our region,” Thalgaswatte said. “We are incredibly grateful to the City of Vernon for supporting the development of our cricket field, which has enabled us to grow the game, attract visiting teams, and promote tourism through sport. We now regularly host teams from across the Okanagan and are excited to welcome clubs from outside the province as well.”

The match followed the conclusion of the 2026 Interior BC Elite Cricket League season, where the NOCC finished fifth in a 15-team field.

“Having access to a proper cricket field has transformed our ability to practice and develop players,” Thalgaswatte said. “The results are evident in our performance and the growth of cricket throughout the region.”

Vernon business owner Gayan Gamage earned the match’s Most Valuable Player award for his performance over the two days.

The NOCC plans to make the two-day match an annual fixture on its schedule, with Shaheen Cricket Club expected to return for future editions.